What is Evolution?

We emerged into plant life, and into the animal state, and then into being human, and always we have forgotten our former states, except in early spring when we slightly recall being green again.

That’s how a young person turns towards a teacher.

That’s how a baby leans toward the breast, without knowing the secret of its desire, yet turning instinctively.

Humankind is being led along an evolving course, through the migration of intelligences, and though we seem to be sleeping, there is an inner wakefulness that directs the dream, and that will eventually startle us back to the truth of who we are.”

— The Story of Evolution

— Rumi, 13th Century

12.23.2009

On Pandora [Avatar]

This isn't a movie review. I'm actually not big on reviews altogether. I think people have different tastes and preferences. You know, what's good for the goose may not be good for the gander etc. Plus I hate people forcing their opinions on me. So I try my best not to do the same.

However there is no way I can NOT be biased about this movie. After watching Avatar in 3D yesterday I feel as if I've been changed as a human being. Seriously.

I'm a lover of sci-fi and fantasy. Always have been always will be. The first book I can remember truly getting into was the Chronicles of Narnia. There's just something about the universe and the undiscovered that I'm attracted to. The idea of alternate realities and inhabitable planets just intrigues me.

Avatar, the movie, is basically a fusion of all the things excite my mind. I mean it has everything within it. Astronomy, Religion, Love, War, Fantasy, Adventure... you name it, it's there.

James Cameron is a genius!

I stated before that I don't like forcing my opinions on people. Or atleast I'd like to think that I don't. And the thing is when it comes to this movie, I don't have to. The plot, the visual effects and the entire production basically sells itself. All you have to do is just watch it (in 3D ofcourse) and you'll understand exactly what I mean. Three thumbs all the way up!

Here are a few reasons why I love Avatar:

Pandora and the Na'vi. Pandora is basically a lush earth-like moon orbiting a huge planet in some remote star system somewhere in the great Cosmos. and the Na'vi are its indigenous inhabitants. The animations/ visual effects were nothing short of breath-taking. They really went out of the box with this one I tell you.

The story-line. I couldn't help but think about Africa and the slave-trade throughout the movie. You know, the whole quest for gold saga that led to the Middle Passage and the subsequent disenfranchisement of the African race? Yeh that.

Additionally, Eywa (the female deity of Pandora) was basically an alternate planetary version of our Gaia also known as Mother Earth. I only wish we as humans were capable of physically connecting with our creator the way that the Na'vi do with Eywa. [Yes you really do need to go see this movie!]

The prevalence of nature and the contrast against the 'mechanical' earthlings. Everything on Pandora is pure and untouched by so-called civilization. The entire planet as an organism is seen to be in complete harmony until the invasion by the humans and their machines. I always wonder what the earth would be like if we weren't so intent on digging into her and depleting her riches. Whether is be the search for jewels or in the name of "advanced technology".

The love story. Yeah, I know. I'm not a lover of love stories. But there's something about the union of spirits that speaks volumes about what we as humans are lacking. Maybe it's something we've forgotten or maybe something we've yet to learn. But the phrase "I see you" now holds far more meaning to me. [Yes you really need to see this movie!]

I could go on and on about this movie but I don't want to ruin it for you. There's just one last thing I want to say though. After watching this movie I felt moved. It was almost as if the movie spoke to my heart. [See trailer below]

6 comments:

I loved this movie too! AND I only saw it in 2D. I'm going back when they bring the 3D version, let me tell you! I want to visit Pandora and ride a Mok Tar! Can anyeone sense a Disney ride? Excellent show, the guy IS a genius!

I agree with you whole-heartidly. This movie was beyond amazing - and if Pandora existed - I would love to run through the forests, speak and LISTEN with Eywa and visit the floating mountains...just to look at of course, as I'm afraid of heights. :)